Cavs and PwC Team Up to Plant Trees in Cleveland

With summer finally arriving in Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland office of PwC US worked together on Thursday to help make Cleveland a little greener. Cavs player Carrick Felix and legends Austin Carr and Campy Russell were just a few of the many people who lent their green thumbs this afternoon to help plant trees donated by Pettiti Garden Centers at Sam Miller Park.

They joined volunteers from the Cavs front office, PwC and the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland for the “Trees for Threes” event. Plus Cleveland Gladiators players Dominic Jones, Jason Jones, Randy Colling, Shannon Breen, Joe Phinisee and Thyron Lewis were also there to lend some muscle to the project.

As part of their commitment to the environment, the Cavs and the Cleveland office of PwC US teamed up for the recently-completed 2013-14 NBA season to launch the “Trees for Threes” program. The two organizations pledged to plant one tree for every three-pointer made by the Cavs over the course of the team’s 41 regular season home games.

“The Cavaliers, and entire Quicken Loans Arena organization, recognize the importance of developing environmentally-friendly programs. We had a great deal of fun with this and we’re very proud to help make Cleveland a greener place to live, work and play,” said Kerry Bubolz, Cavaliers President of Business Operations. “Our partnership with PwC has provided this special opportunity and we’re excited to carry it forward and continue to positively impact our community’s environment.”

With 291 three-pointers made at home this season, “Trees for Threes” ensured that 291 new trees would sprout up around Northeast Ohio. The first 160 trees were planted in April at Akron’s Leggett Community Learning Center and Jenning’s Community Learning Center, followed by the remaining 131 being planted today at Sam Miller Park and Cleveland Metroparks’ Garfield Park.

Volunteers and special guests were entertained on Thursday by Cavs in-arena host Ahmaad, mascot Moondog, and hip-hop entertainment group, the Scream Team, during the event.

“Revitalization efforts in Northeast Ohio are important to us as a firm and by teaming up with the Cleveland Cavaliers to promote the “Trees for Threes” program we have been able to raise awareness about sustainability while making a positive impact in our environment, “ said Bob Saada, managing partner for PwC’s Cleveland office and the Lake Erie Region. “The experience of planting hundreds of trees, beautifying the areas where we live and work and providing green space for generations to come has been both rewarding and educational for the entire organization.”

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